The tower gate is a unique architectural feature of religious sites in Japan. It is one of a few buildings that are common to both shrines and temples. The rōmon is a two storied gate that features: a single roof on top; a decorative balcony in the middle; supported by a series of columns that form the entrance.

A Rōmon marks the entrance to sacred ground in a shrine or temple. The etiquette for using the tower gate is similar to that of the torii (what you could call a “normal” gate). Be a good visitor and bow before passing through the gate. The entrance is in the middle of the ground floor, flanked by two alcoves.